capri engine in model a
 

That Pinto thread was too long. A Capri engine was just like the Pinto but with more hp. I put the engine and 4-speed in one and it fit perfectly. The shifter was in just the right place. The Pinto shifter was not in a good place.

It just took some simple flat pieces bolted in for front mounts and a tube across the frame for the tranny mount. Could have easily been reversed.

Re: capri engine in model a
 

Is the Capri engine a 2.0 liter or a 2.3 liter? I am installing a 2.3 in a chassi now.

Re: capri engine in model a
 

Capris were 2300 cc. I had a Model A exhaust system hooked up and it sounded like an A. To the uninitiated it looked like some type of early A conversion. Who was I to deny it?

I only did it because the car was assembled junk and the A engine wore out. The parts were all from different years and the fenders were plastic. Guess I didn't mention I put in a Jaguar XK-E running gear.

Re: capri engine in model a
 

Before the police show up, I'd like to see more pictures. I have no plans of running anything besides an A engine, but I would like to see how it's done.

Re: capri engine in model a
 

I would also like pics of the trans and install.

Re: capri engine in model a
 

Guess I'd leave it here-it sure wouldn't fly over on the HAMB!

Re: capri engine in model a
 

What are you using for a transmission and rearend?

Re: capri engine in model a
 

Boy! Is this ever gonna stir up the Model A police. Engine and trans are mounted in the frame. Had to custom build some engine mounts and had to do some other custom engineering to make things work. The tranny is a C-3 fromm a 70's Fairmount and the Rear end is not decided yet.

Re: capri engine in model a
 

John, the early Capris also got the 2000 engine.

Re: capri engine in model a
 

Ken, can I PM you for some specifics of your install?

Re: capri engine in model a
 

Petesponies, sure PM me anytime.

Re: capri engine in model a
 

This is much more interesting than the "restoration" theme of this forum. Let's have two hamb's!

Re: capri engine in model a
 

Ken/Pete,

I am sure a lot of people are interested in this topic. Instead of giving the details off line I would like to suggest a thread on HAMB with a reference here to the thread.

Charlie Stephens

Re: capri engine in model a
 

There's a 29 frame with a pinto engine / c4 tranny on the swap meet page right now.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91020

Re: capri engine in model a
 

It's really a 2.3, but still would work.

Re: capri engine in model a
 

Seller's description, not mine. :)

Re: capri engine in model a
 

Sorry Carl, I was correcting the ad not you.


Mine came with an early Pinto 2.0 in it. Too stock for the HAMB and not stock enough for the Barn.........:).

Re: capri engine in model a
 

2.3 can be considered a Pinto engine as well. More 2.3s made it into Pintos than 2000s did.

Re: capri engine in model a
 

The 2.3 LL Mazda was the most prolific Ford engine used in any car or truck. This engine was used in the same basic design from 1974 till 1997 and in HP ratings from 90 to 205 the difference being carburation and cam design. Other improvements were to the ignition system and compression. If you want a hoss to use in a hot rod A, get a turbo charged intercooled engine from an 84-86 Mustang SVO rated at 205 HP with a 5 speed. Lots of horses from a little 140 CI four cylinder.

I am putting the head on my Ranger tomorrow because of a burnt valve. I got it for 500 and a replacement head and gaskets cost 400. Pretty good truck for 900$. This is the 8 valve 8 plug model introduced in 1988 and ended in 1997. Easy motor to work on and keep in tune. I checked the cylinder bores and can still see some cross hatch with 206000 miles on the odo.

Re: capri engine in model a
 

When your on a tour, who wants to look under the hood anyway? It's your A, build it, and drive it to enjoy.